Batiste shared a hilarious and “gloriously awkward” moment he had with Beyoncé before they worked together. About five years prior to their collaboration, Batiste had a chance encounter with Beyoncé at a concert. He had been practicing the piano and was in a trance-like state when he realized he needed some fresh air. Unbeknownst to him, he had been wearing the same sweats for three days, but he didn’t let that stop him from attending the concert.
As fate would have it, Beyoncé also happened to be at the concert and approached Batiste for a hug. In that moment, Batiste couldn’t warn her about his disheveled appearance but also couldn’t turn down the opportunity for a hug from Queen Bey. He humorously described himself as “Pig Pen” with a cloud of musk surrounding him. Although he never addressed the awkward encounter with Beyoncé, Batiste couldn’t help but think that he had made a lasting impression on her.
Later in the interview, Colbert discussed Batiste’s latest album, “Beethoven Blues,” where Batiste puts his unique spin on classical compositions. Batiste admitted that he wasn’t initially a fan of Beethoven, as he associated the iconic composer with the tedious piano lessons of his childhood. However, as he matured as a musician, he began to appreciate Beethoven’s greatness and realized the value of adding his own interpretation to the music.
Batiste believes that music, especially when it is in the public domain, can be molded and enhanced by other artists. He sees himself as being in conversation with the music, adding his own creativity and contributing to the continuum of human expression.
Apart from his music career, Batiste has recently ventured into the film industry. He stars in the film “Saturday Night” as Billy Preston, an extraordinary musician in his own right. Colbert asked Batiste about the impact of one person’s presence in a creative environment, referencing a moment in the Beatles documentary when Billy Preston’s arrival breathed new life into the group’s dynamics. Batiste noted that someone with positive energy can make a significant difference in any team or creative process.
For Batiste, that person is Stevie Wonder, with whom he has had the privilege of working recently. Although Batiste admitted he doesn’t know Wonder very well, witnessing his approach to music and life has been a transformative experience. Batiste described Wonder as a vessel, someone who effortlessly combines their humanity and artistry. Being in Wonder’s presence has reinforced Batiste’s belief that art and personal values should align, creating a sacred and meaningful experience.
In conclusion, Jon Batiste‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was filled with entertaining anecdotes and insights into his music career and collaborations. From his gloriously awkward encounter with Beyoncé to his unique take on classical music, Batiste continues to impress as a versatile artist. As he forges ahead in both his music and film endeavors, it is clear that his passion and talent will propel him to even greater heights.
